§ 27. Major ASTORasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Government have invited private employers to unite with trade unions in setting up joint central and district industrial councils as "well as works committees, on which employers and trade unionists would be represented, the Admiralty propose to set up in consultation with the trade unions concerned a joint central as well as district industrial councils, and also works committees, for the national shipbuilding and repairing industry which the Government controls as employers in the Royal dockyards?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the scheme sent to officers and workpeople in the Royal dockyards and naval establishments as a basis of discussion for the setting up of yard and shop committees in each establishment. Upon 1859 that scheme, in connection with which opinion was specially invited, I have received a number of representations, have met two deputations, and have more to meet. The question of setting up a central industrial council for the Royal dockyards and naval establishments may very well emerge from these discussions; But the outline scheme to which I refer deals only with local shop and yard committees.
§ Major ASTORIs it proposed to establish central joint bodies?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWhen I see my friends who are associated with me in this matter, that may emerge, but for the moment we are dealing with shops and yards locally. The question of the central authority may emerge.
§ Major ASTORWill it be possible to carry out the recommendation as to private employers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI note what my hon. Friend has said in the early part of his question, but, as I explained to him, we are now discussing the subject, and it may very well be that as the result there may be superimposed upon the shop and yard committees a national outlay.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASMay we take it that the Admiralty are prepared to adopt in principle the Whitley Report?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI have a copy of the circular in my hand, and my right hon. Friend will see from the closing sentence what is our policy.
§ Mr. THOMASIs the right hon. Gentlemen aware that in the published statement of the scheme it was alleged that it was in accordance with the Whitley Report, and is not this a travesty of the Whitley Report?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThere is nothing in this about the Whitley Commission, although, of course, it is our desire to fall in generally with the spirit of the Whitley Report; but this does not purport to cover what arises under that Report.
§ Mr. THOMASDoes not the published statement embody the terms of the Whitley Report?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe spirit of the Report of the Committee which my right hon. Friend provided will certainly guide us in what we carry out.